US: INTELLIGENT INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS IN ECONOMIC STIMULUS
A coalition of top US transportation officials and technology leaders have called on Congress to make an “intelligent” infrastructure investment as part of economic stimulus legislation by funding intelligent transportation systems and technologies that will provide lasting improvements to the nation’s economic productivity, transportation infrastructure, and environment while also creating jobs and providing an immediate economic boost.
“As Congress and the incoming Administration prepare to invest billions of dollars in the nation’s infrastructure, it is vital that this stimulus plan also puts our nation on the road to long-term economic recovery and competitiveness,” said Scott F. Belcher, president and CEO of ITS America which is leading the coalition. “ITS applications like collision avoidance systems, smart transit vehicles, and real-time information about traffic conditions and travel options will make transportation safer, more efficient, and will lead to greater productivity and a cleaner environment.”
The letter to Congressional leaders, signed by senior transportation officials from California, New York, Michigan, and Oregon; prominent industry groups including the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), and companies from the automotive, technology, engineering, and related industries, calls for a strong economic package that makes a continuing commitment to ‘intelligent’ infrastructure investment, which will not only put the US closer to fixing her economy, but will enhance the quality of life and the health of the environment.
According to California Department of Transportation Chief Deputy Director and ITS America Board Chair Randell H. Iwasaki, “Investing in ITS technologies will help reduce traffic congestion, energy use and emissions. It is critical that we optimize this investment in our nation’s infrastructure by providing resources to deploy technologies that will save lives, time, money, and preserve the environment in addition to creating jobs and economic growth.”
